Botany for Gardeners (Revised Edition)

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"An essential reference guide for those interested in how plants grow but who don't have a background in science."

—Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Gives the basics in a layperson's language, and it's not the size of a typical scientific tome, which in my book recommends it highly. [This review refers to the first edition]"

—Dulcy Mahar, Oregonian

"A fascinating book for the curious gardener."

—Ellen Barcel, Setauket Times Beacon Record

"Not just for gardeners, this book is highly recommended for all who are curious about the world around them."

—Marilyn K. Alaimo, Chicago Botanic Garden

"[Capon] tells it like it is, reminding the reader along the way what remains a mystery even to trained botanists. This book will give you answers to many of your questions — and answers to questions you did not know you had."

—Peter Kendall, American Rhododendron Society Journal

"This is a book that you will want to keep in your horticultural library for future reference."

—George Graine, Virginia Master Gardeners Association Report

"This is a reference that should be on the desk of everyone interested in plants. [This review refers to the first edition]"

—Ann Milovsoroff, Pappus

"This self-styled 'introduction and guide' for gardeners is a fascinating look at how plants grow. Well-written with diagrams to illustrate concepts, the book should be on the list for every serious gardener who has always wanted to know a little bit more about how things work. [This review refers to the first edition]"

—Ontario Gardener

"Written for those who would like to do more than simply 'get by' with intuitive knowledge about plants. [This review refers to the first edition]"

—Northeastern Naturalist

"A book such as this should be in every workshop, potting shed and mess room. [This review refers to the first edition]"

—American Association of Botanical Gardens and Arboreta Newsletter

"With its many color photographs, its discursive style, and its comprehensive glossary, Botany for Gardeners is a joy to read. [This review refers to the first edition]"

—HortIdeas

"A combination of crisp, friendly writing and detailed, understandable illustrations (both line drawings and photographs) yields a great book that will be a welcome addition to the reference shelf."

—Kim Long, Bloomsbury Review

"In this magical little volume Capon covers the entire breadth of botanical science in concise, clear terms that anyone can understand and enjoy, but he doesn't make the mistake of talking down to the reader. [This review refers to the first edition]"

—San Diego Home/Garden Lifestyles

"Botany for Gardeners is a handy reference book for all questions relating to the growth of plants and the processes of seed germination, growth, photosynthesis, development of roots and shoots, reproduction, and adaptation."

—Rosemary Read, Social Gardener

"This book unwraps the mystery of the how and why of botany at a level we can understand."

—Virginia Master Gardeners Association Report

"[This] is an instructional, scientific text written specifically in everyday language for gardeners, horticulturists, and lay people."

—Wisconsin Bookwatch

"I highly recommend this book ... Learning new things would be such a pleasure if we had more such books. [This review refers to the first edition]"

—Barbara Joe Hoshizaki, Fiddlehead Forum

"If you ever wanted to know why a plant reacts the way it does, this book is for you. [This review refers to the first edition]"

—American Herb Association Quarterly Newsletter

"Those who enjoy and are fascinated by plants and gardening, would enjoy them even more with the help of this book. [This review refers to the first edition]"

—Northeastern Naturalist

"Capon's writing is interesting and engaging. He makes botany sound as interesting as it really is. To those who think that plants don't do anything, he says: 'Throughout every moment of a plant's life, activities of inconceivable complexity take place beneath a deceptive facade of effortlessness and tranquillity.' [This review refers to the first edition]"

—Stanley Rice, Academic Library Book Review